Infoblox snaps up Netcordia

Infoblox, the DNS, DHCP and IPAM (DDI) specialist has added another string to its bow by acquiring Netcordia, whose expertise is in change and configuration management.

According to Infoblox, the purchase will enable its customers to go further down the automation path by reducing the amount of manually operated procedures. Many organisations have been faced with staffing pressures as organisations move to virtualised environments, as IT departments support remote and mobile workers and as companies conform to new compliance regulations.

To create greater efficiencies, organisations are looking coordinate their change management and DDI technologies, by automating network infrastructure services. The acquisition will mean that Infoblox's real-time distributed network data management technology will be combined with Netcordia's analysis and discovery products.

Infoblox said that the acquisition, the terms of which were not revealed, would mean that the company could increase its investment in new products for further network automation and to address emerging network demands. Infoblox is to sell Netcordia NetMRI network management software immediately, while Netcordia channel partners will be able to add Infoblox products to their portfolios once they're certified to do so.

Robert Thomas, president and CEO of Infoblox said: "Netcordia's market momentum, customer base, technology and exceptional employees, coupled with Infoblox's team and unique real-time data distribution and management expertise, will be invaluable to positioning Infoblox for continued success as a leading provider of both DDI and NCCM solutions, while investing in development of more advanced network infrastructure automation solutions."

According to one analyst, the acquisition will offer network managers greater control over the proliferation of devices on a corporate network. Jon Oltsik, senior analyst Enterprise Strategy Group, commented: "With the increasing number of IP-enabled devices, mobility and network management requirements colliding in the data centre, real visibility, control and change management is critical for network pros. The combined expertise and technologies of Infoblox and Netcordia present a unique opportunity to help address some of these issues."